Sharps and Hankins M-1862 Army Carbine in 0.52 Cal. Rimfire

~ Sharps and Hankins M-1862 Army Carbine in 0.52 Cal. Rimfire ~

This is an improved model with floating firing pin. SN2810 (c1863-64). The frame had a saddle ring on the left-hand side (rare) which was later removed (but studs are still clear). The breech originally included a safety, but this has also been removed (they usually are).
The carbine has the brass tipped steel front sight on the barrel. The wrist of the stock has a chip repair. Round 24 ninch (23 5/8 inch) barrel. Good working action.

Approximately 8000 S&H Carbines were manufactured between 1862 and 1865 (Flayderman) although serial nos in the low 10000s are reported suggesting slightly more were manufactured. During the American Civil War 1468 Sharps and Hankins carbines were bought by the Army (McAulay) and saw use by the union cavalry. Most have saddle ring mountings on the stock rather than the breech. There are numerous accounts of S&H Carbine use in skirmishes and battles. S&H carbines were also sold and used extensively by the navy until 1870, some of these had their barrels covered with leather for protection from salt and front sight ring bands and not
fixed front sight.

~ Condition ~

Barrel surface aged to pleasing dark brown patina, breech was covered with fine pinpricks and scattered corrosion pits making the patent markings illegible. The bore is moderate with spotting the entire length. Good overall.

G60A0GE